The sleeve length is always perfect, the lapel is minimalist and I can’t get better than MD for blazers unless I can hunt down a secondhand The Row blazer in a US 8 (they size SMALL in that brand).

If you want an even cheaper alternative, I liked the Banana Republic blazer like this camel one as of late. I am so surprised at the quality (read: lack of itchiness) in the wool blazers, and the stunning classic colours and cuts. Very nice.

11. WOOL COAT – PEACOAT, SINGLE-BREASTED OR DOUBLE-BREASTED

The most classic colour is a deep navy blue or black in this style. I own a Smythe blazer in this (similar version here), but there are quirky details at the cuffs and the lapel in a lighter blue that sort of ‘pops’.

HOW TO SIZE THIS PROPERLY:

Take your actual size, unless it feels like it fits perfectly with just a t-shirt underneath.

YOU WILL WANT TO WEAR A SWEATER or something to keep on while you are inside.

It is better to go bigger than smaller. You really need to be comfortable and that means with your outfit underneath too.

12. A SIMPLE SHOULDER TOTE

The most classic bag I see Parisiennes carry (and Francophones) is the Pliage. They (and I, an honorary Francophone now), carry this bag almost daily.

It is light, very sturdy, and holds a LOT.

You could carry rocks in it, and it would still last a long time. If you want just the look of it, there are cheap versions of it but they don’t last and look bad after a while.

I know girls who use it to carry laptops and heavy textbooks.

It also looks less offensive (?) or at least, more unobtrusive than a Louis Vuitton Speedy Catchall Carryall Neverfull tote.. (whatever that name of that tote is that everyone except for Francophones always rave on about). That tote is granted, very roomy, but.. also very loud with its print. The solid versions aren’t so bad but not for that price.

Another brand that people (not any of the Frenchwomen I know though) seem to rave on about is Goyard, but again.. I find the print kind of SO INCREDIBLY ugly. I feel like I could see that print on a tote sold at Wal-mart for $10, or sold in Chinatown to tote vegetables :\.

I can’t get over that print being so … ugly but I can’t figure out why I think it looks so cheap.

(To each their own, I know women who think spending $200 on a NYLON TOTE from LONGCHAMP is insanity. 😉 )

As for leather totes, Madewell Transport Tote seems to be the brand of choice of style bloggers online but I think it looks rather cheap for the price and quality of it. I think Etsy offers far more options that are independently made in the U.S. or worldwide by people who love leather.

It is slightly heavier because the leather is thicker and the handles are not the kind of leather that gets soft and feels like a backpack strap after a while (you know, soft, supple, buttery), but it is STURDY and VERY, VERY roomy.